Scott French writes that the Los Angeles Galaxy had a "phenomenal year that exceeded every possible expectation" despite losing MLS Cup 2009 on penalty kicks against Real Salt Lake. "The Galaxy was MLS's most pitied club not much more than a year ago, a failure on the field (on which it failed to reach the postseason three successive seasons after being the only club to qualify for the playoffs in the league's first decade) and especially off," says French, who notes that 16 players on L.A.'s 26-man roster arrived since Coach Bruce Arena's appointment.

"Our organization had a great year," Arena said. "We can't be disappointed. We did a great job turning our team around. ... What makes teams (successful), certainly the organization has to be good. The coaches have to do their job. But the players have got to have a vested interest in the team and the way it goes. This has been one of my more enjoyable jobs in the last 30, 35 years. You come in every day, these guys are a pleasure to work with. I think their vested interest in this team has made a difference. They buy into everything."